Feeling sad.

Sad…

Although my life has many highlights, times of sadness can sometimes hit all at once. It is hard when this happens because a feeling of melancholy hits me like a strong wave and I find myself just ... there.  As much as I like to journal, when my thoughts are like this, I tend to fight using this valuable tool. 

Last night was one of those nights. As I forced myself to journal, I realized that there were several things contributing to my sadness. Also, I was reminded of an interaction with a young boy on Sunday during Children’s Ministry. 

The Children's Ministry volunteer teacher had asked me for help. Her class needed to go to their next activity but one of the kids was sobbing. She had tried to help him but it wasn’t working.  Helping when a child is having a difficult time is part of our role as coordinators. 

Our interaction. 

Me: "Hi, what’s going on?"

Boy: Sobbing.

Me as I sat next to him: "So what happened?" 

Boy: "I am sad about… "

Me after he shared what was going on: "That’s understandable…. I think you might be surprised at the outcome." 

Boy: "I know that. I know I can’t predict what’s going to happen." 

Me: "Okay, so you can wait and for now enjoy the rest of time with your friends." 

Boy: "I don’t want to. I am sad." . 

Me while rubbing his back: "I understand." 

Boy: "I am sad" 

Me: "I understand, however you can’t stay here by yourself. You have to come outside the classroom with the rest of your class." 

Boy: "I can’t, I am too sad." . 

Me: "Okay so let’s do this. You can pick up sadness and bring it with you because we have to go with the rest of the class." 

Boy: gets up, puts his hood on his head, walks out, joins the class and eventually moves forward. 

Remembering my interaction with my young friend, I said the same to myself. 'Well Olivia, you are just going to have to bring sadness with you and keep moving forward.' And here I am. Sometimes it’s what we need to do move forward!

Hope this helps someone.